My Father Died. I Am Trying To Start The Probate Process, But Am Caught In A Catch 22.

Location: Rhode Island

The probate courts are requiring me to get up-to-date copies of his financial documents in order to start the probate process. I have gotten all of the ones required, except for one : a statement from his bank, Bank of America.

I made the mistake of notifying the bank of his death, and as a result they have closed down his account, which means that even though I have his login info for his account through the app, I can no longer request they send a paper statement to use for the probate process through there. They are also refusing to give me the financial information, saying the courts can subpoena it directly from them if they want it, or I can get the courts to send a court order for it. Unfortunately, he opted into paperless when he first opened the account, so I don't have any documents the courts will accept in this regard.

The problem is that the probate court isn't willing to even look at my stuff until I have it. They said the process requires that to even get off the ground, and that I should not be having any issue getting a simple statement.

What exactly can I do in this situation?

Before anyone suggests "get an attorney", I can't afford one, and after his debts and stuff his estate is probably worth $500. The only reason we're bothering is that his brother has a sentimental attachment to his old beater car and we'd like to get the title, and because it would put people's minds at ease just to get the affairs in order. None of us can afford professional legal help, here, and frankly I don't understand why it should even be necessary.